Drink One Cup Daily of This Juice to UNCLOG Arteries?

Did you know that something as simple as drinking pomegranate juice could help protect you against heart disease—the leading cause of death worldwide? The evidence suggests that this vibrant juice possesses powerful properties that can lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and even actively fight atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

5 Cardioprotective Properties of Pomegranate Juice

1. It May Help Reverse Atherosclerosis

Pomegranate juice has shown remarkable potential to not just slow, but potentially reverse plaque accumulation in major arteries.

• Evidence: A 2004 study administered daily pomegranate juice to patients with severe $70\%\text{ to }90\%\text{ blockage}$ in their carotid arteries (vessels that supply blood to the brain). Over the course of a year, the atherosclerotic lesions in their common carotid artery decreased by $35\%$ in size.

• Heart Blood Flow: Another study on patients with insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle found that consuming 8 ounces ($\approx 1\text{ cup}$) of pomegranate juice daily for three months led to significant improvements in blood flow to the heart muscle.

2. Pomegranate Juice Lowers Blood Pressure

Consistent consumption of pomegranate juice can help keep high blood pressure in check.

• Evidence: A 2017 review of eight human trials found consistent evidence that drinking pomegranate juice lowered blood pressure. An earlier study found that consuming one cup daily for 28 days helped lower high blood pressure in the short term.

• Mechanism: Researchers believe pomegranates help lower blood pressure by reducing levels of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ($\text{ACE}$), which is responsible for producing a hormone that constricts blood vessels.

3. It Prevents $\text{LDL}$ Oxidation

$\text{LDL}$ (bad cholesterol) only becomes dangerous when it is oxidized. Oxidized $\text{LDL}$ promotes inflammation and drives the formation of plaque in the arteries.

• Mechanism: The potent antioxidants in pomegranate juice protect $\text{LDL}$ from this damaging process. By preventing $\text{LDL}$ oxidation, the juice helps break a critical link in the chain of events that leads to clogged arteries.

4. Pomegranate Juice Promotes Nitric Oxide Activity

Nitric oxide is a naturally produced molecule whose main job is vasodilation (relaxing blood vessels) to improve blood flow. Low levels are associated with heart disease and erectile dysfunction.

• Evidence: Consuming pomegranate juice enhances the biological actions of nitric oxide while simultaneously protecting it from oxidative damage. Studies show that both the juice and fruit extract can increase nitric oxide production levels, helping prevent plaque buildup within the blood vessel lining.

5. It Reduces Oxidative Stress

Reducing damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation is vital for cardiovascular health.

• The Power of Punicalagins: Pomegranates contain a unique compound called punicalagins, which is responsible for more than half of the juice's antioxidant activity.

• Superior Antioxidant: In one study, pomegranate juice was shown to outperform other potent sources—including grape juice, cranberry juice, and green tea—in reducing the damaging effects of free radicals on cell membranes.

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How to Get Your Daily Dose

To reap these benefits, aim for one cup ($\approx 8\text{ ounces}$) of $100\%$ pure pomegranate juice daily.

If you prefer fresh fruit, the best time to enjoy pomegranates in the U.S. is typically between late September and November. For easy preparation:

1. Cut the fruit in half around its diameter.

2. Hold one half cut-side down over a bowl and firmly hit the back of the fruit with a large spoon. The edible seeds (arils) should fall out on their own.

Whether you enjoy the fresh fruit or the juice, adding pomegranate to your diet is a simple, evidence-based step toward protecting your heart and arteries.